https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:15:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code/page/2#post-2198287 Thu, 27 May 2021 17:16:35 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2198287@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Falling down a rabbit hole while trying to see if Hanna-Barbera, makers of Scooby Doo with the palette of a favorite dress of mine, I came across this &amp; thought of your description of watercolors. <a href="http://johnkstuff.blogspot.com/2006/11/color-theory-art-lozzi-interview-early.html?m=1" rel="nofollow">http://johnkstuff.blogspot.com.....y.html?m=1</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code/page/2#post-2198007 Wed, 26 May 2021 16:52:30 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2198007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think skirts and wide-legged pants can both work for chilly weather, as long as you pair them with boots or cozy tights. I’ve worn my otk socks with pants, just to add some extra protection from the wind (without resorting to long Johns/thermals, which me tally feel much worse in springtime) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code/page/2#post-2197994 Wed, 26 May 2021 16:01:33 +0000 Helena 2197994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is amazing ... I love how you are blending the textures of cold weather with a more warm weather palette ... Very effective for the transitional season! Wonderful thought process. With chinos seeming like a big trend at the moment, you might find just the thing as another spring pants option. I totally get your watercolor vs. preppy colour direction ... It's a little more organic feeling and less matchy match (even though it does match!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code/page/2#post-2197966 Wed, 26 May 2021 15:00:10 +0000 Suz 2197966@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your careful thought process here and the layouts with the inspo pics are beautiful -- I think you've really captured the textures and tones and effects you are going for and these combinations look very much like "you" to me! Love the Fair Isle with the fun socks and the subtle pattern mixes.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Brooklyn</b> is an incredible muse! I keep saying I want to make a study of her posts and do something similar.&nbsp;</p> <p>On the subject of cold spring, this is something that I, too, am just learning to dress for. We had cold spring in Ontario, too, but the cold was of an entirely different order. There's no such thing as warm spring there. It's straight from cold cold spring to summer.&nbsp; So it didn't really make sense to develop outfits for cold spring -- it was more a case of buying some winter items in spring colours. :)&nbsp;</p> <p>Here, I feel differently. I will say, as a small warning -- I won't wear my <b>wide</b> cropped jeans until warm (er) spring here. Too cold.&nbsp; Mind you, I don't wear socks that show with my crops -- will only wear no show socks, and my footwear these days is all sneakers all the time (except for my indoor clogs). All this to warn that crops that are wide might feel too "airy" for cold spring, depending on your other layers. I will wear slim or tapered crops but not wide ones in those temps. And to encourage you to seek tapered or cuffed options for cold spring.&nbsp;</p> <p>Like you, I've never been a chinos fan. Have never found a pair I feel good in. But I can imagine a more tapered style working.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also hear you 100% on skirts/ dresses. I don't wear them regularly (except for special occasions/ going out -- what's that? hahah) until <b>warm</b> spring / early summer.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code#post-2197773 Tue, 25 May 2021 20:51:21 +0000 Cardiff girl 2197773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am loving the cosy cardi vibe.l do love a good cardigan probably because l live in the UK and it’s still freezing here too.l think that your mood board ideas are great. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code#post-2197744 Tue, 25 May 2021 19:18:45 +0000 Katerina 2197744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have enjoyed this post so very much, Sarah! I love your analysis and how you go about cracking the code. It strikes me how well you have captured the mood pictures and the inspiration pictures in the outfits you have put together and how you are true to your authentic signature style. I particularly admire no 11, 17 and 18. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code#post-2197735 Tue, 25 May 2021 17:53:28 +0000 SarahD8 2197735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Zaeobi, I had forgotten about Pashko but it they do have a number of intriguing options. Will check them out!</p> <p>Navy and white Breton stripes are actually *extremely* harmonious with my coloring. It has to be the right shade -- black and white stripes are awful on me, dark navy and white overwhelms me, but clear navy and white is dead right. I am extremely picky about the shade, trust. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code#post-2197719 Tue, 25 May 2021 17:12:25 +0000 Zaeobi 2197719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh if it's *lighter* weight olive pants you're looking for instead, these (also from Paskho) may be just the ticket:<br /> <a href="https://paskho.com/products/wild-utility-travel-pant-in-dark-green" rel="nofollow">https://paskho.com/products/wi.....dark-green</a> </p> <p>Sorry if I keep pushing their pants lol it's just there's a *wealth* of options out there for non jeans bottoms! Can you tell I'm passionate about the subject? </p> <p>Also I think I can see what @Smittie is saying re: the depth of colour on those items - I can't see you but, I'm suspecting that people's eyes will be drawn to those darker items instead of you (especially if you're wearing the lighter colours near your face, since you don't want to end up washed out or overpowered). One thing that could help balance this could perhaps be a bridging piece, between both the low &amp; high value items. I believe @Angie has written extensively on the topic - can't find just one article to link you to! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code#post-2197704 Tue, 25 May 2021 16:28:56 +0000 SarahD8 2197704@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Runcarla</b>, yes, something that I did differently with Pinterest than I have in the past is that I repinned a very select number of images from my big, chaotic style board to a new board specifically for spring. That was really helpful to hone what I was going for and see it all in one place.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>suntiger</b> and <b>Runcarla</b>, yes, olive does hold some appeal although again I've been drawn to the idea of an olive pair of pants more for warm spring, for some reason. I know, so fussy about my color palettes!</p> <p><b>smittie</b>, thanks for the kind words re the quilts! The nice thing about having quilters on both sides of the family is that when a cat pukes on one quilt there's always another one to put on the bed while the wash is going, haha.&nbsp; Agree that polka dots are not really my thing. The idea behind inspo pic #9 was indeed the scarf arrangement -- lightweight but voluminous scarf, tied close around the neck. I'm not sure what you mean by "black stripes" though? In image #12, the sweater is a narrow Breton stripe in a clear navy. Definitely my thing! In image #16, the fair isle cardi does indeed have a black background -- but has lots of light, clear colors as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code#post-2197658 Tue, 25 May 2021 13:26:12 +0000 smittie 2197658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh the flat lays are super-helpful Sarah.<br /> I am loving all the outfits with a touch of floral.</p> <p>I am seeing where you’re going with your colours and patterns and general vibe.</p> <p>The one thing I will say is that the black stripes are a little off (they stand out as not like the others) as well as the dark plaid. I think it’s the combo of strong geometrics coupled with dark colours that stands out.</p> <p>Also not feeling the polkadots for you (but maybe that inspo pic was more for the scarf).</p> <p>I love love love the handknits and the colours.<br /> Also your quilts are gorgeous! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code#post-2197644 Tue, 25 May 2021 11:56:44 +0000 Anonymous 2197644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aww kitty I'm with you re: a watery effect between colors and big yes to olive bottoms! Our "cold spring" is March- early April, and it's definitely challenging to dress for. My beige puffer gets a lot of use then, and my raincoats too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code#post-2197642 Tue, 25 May 2021 11:49:01 +0000 Zaeobi 2197642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lovely outfits - you're making me miss being able to wear my patterned socks (now in this subtropical climate), lol! Have you tried British brands like Joules? They tend to do clothing in your preferred tones (some of it might be too preppy, but they also veer into quirky - typical motifs, like bunnies &amp; bees). </p> <p>I agree that harem pants could be a good alternative - with cuffs would help to keep the air in &amp; the cold out. What about ponte trousers (as @Jenni suggested) or even the Paskho brand of sleek technical pants (I believe @Angie reviewed them in the past)? @Runcarla mentioned olive - see these:<br /> <a href="https://paskho.com/products/sanctuary-cropped-pleated-stretch-tech-travel-pants-in-dark-green" rel="nofollow">https://paskho.com/products/sa.....dark-green</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code#post-2197576 Tue, 25 May 2021 01:55:31 +0000 Carla 2197576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Creating a ‘mood board’ in any medium can be so helpful. &nbsp;I use Pinterest, and try to edit my style inspiration board to 50 images. &nbsp;Then I take a pen and pencil and make a list of recurring items, themes, colours - whatever. &nbsp;Usually I get a list of 8-10 ‘things’ that inspire future acquisitions.</p> <p>Have you thought about adding olive coloured bottoms? &nbsp;They would work with your egg palette, and are opposite the colour wheel from your coral/blush palette. &nbsp; </p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.llbean.ca/shop/Womens-Stretch-Canvas-Cargo-Pants/120958.html#start=1">https://www.llbean.ca/shop/Wom.....ml#start=1</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/23151352/women%27s-departure-jogger-pants?sp=1&amp;color=Dk%20Thyme">https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/2.....Dk%20Thyme</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code#post-2197560 Tue, 25 May 2021 00:00:24 +0000 SarahD8 2197560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, FI. I will check out Muji's US offerings.</p> <p>Gillian Pearl, fun! I hope to see the results of your color palette play. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code#post-2197490 Mon, 24 May 2021 17:50:27 +0000 Anonymous 2197490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is super inspiring! You’re prompting me to play with color palettes today.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code#post-2197478 Mon, 24 May 2021 17:02:47 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2197478@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The back n forth of temps is what makes me need a cold spring capsule. Like you, once we’ve had a couple of warm days, there is no way I can bring myself to put on winter stuff again, even though temperatures call for it, so I want other stuff that’s just as warm but doesn’t look so wintery to me. You’re right; it’s all a head game. I was preaching about Muji over on April’s thread, but I bet they’d be a good source for pants for you. I can see several of these working with clogs. <a href="https://www.muji.eu/pages/online.asp?Sec=2&#038;Sub=154" rel="nofollow">https://www.muji.eu/pages/onli.....38;Sub=154</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code#post-2197477 Mon, 24 May 2021 16:48:16 +0000 SarahD8 2197477@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks all for the tortoiseshell kitty love! She is extremely skittish but so, sweet (and a bit silly too). A great companion.</p> <p>I appreciate the comments and votes of confidence here, too!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>LaPed</b>, those are helpful chinos pics, very much along the lines of what I'm imagining. Good point about it being a good time to find warm earth tones -- you've made the penny drop for me, in the past I've always tried cool khaki tones when maybe what I need is a warm shade on the bottom to complement the blues and other cool shades on top.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do think linen-blend joggers could be a good solution for warm spring, but I'm not sure they would be warm enough for cold spring, and again I'm having that "not sure my footwear is a good match" problem (I feel like they want the sort of fashion sneakers that I'm not keen on for me). But now you're reminding me that I tried a pair of wool-blend joggers earlier this year and that could be a possibility (sort of a Charlotte Ritter/Babylon Berlin-lite look). Haven't been able to get the rise right on joggers of any sort yet, but I'm determined to keep looking.</p> <p><b>Sal</b>, good suggestion for wide-leg crops. I think I'd want them to be not very extreme in either width or cropped-ness, but I'll keep an eye out.</p> <p><b>FashIntern</b>, cold vs warm spring honestly is mostly a psychological thing! Once we've had the first solid warm spell I just refuse to go back to all those layers even if the weather turns chilly again as it is today (50F and rainy). I do rely on skirts and dresses a lot in summer, but I've found that if the temperature requires some kind of tights/legwear I simply won't wear skirts/dresses for days spent at home, which is 98% of all my days. So it would be nice to have a spring skirt, but I think in practice that's not entirely going to solve my variety craving.</p> <p><b>rachylou</b>, non-chino chinos! That's it exactly.</p> <p><b>JAileen</b>, that sounds like a lovely palette for your recent weather.</p> <p><b>shevia</b>, re the watercolor effect, I think it's something about the way the colors combine. I do think I want tonal looks to play a stronger role in spring than they do at some other times of year, but I also want that watery effect when I'm mixing contrasting colors. Hard to explain.</p> <p><b>kellygirl</b>, oh yeah, those changing temperatures/shifting microclimates are so hard to deal with! I think that's a big part of my trouble with warm spring. When I crack that code, I'll shout it from the rooftops. :-)</p> <p><b>Nikki</b>, cold spring bottom desert -- haha, that actually sounds like an interesting place to visit???</p> <p><b>Jessikams</b>, hmmm, great point about theory vs practice. I'd say that the outfits shown here did feel like I wanted them to when worn...but I've only shown you hits here, didn't document misses.</p> <p><b>Firecracker</b>, oh yes, pegged pants. The 90s are back, baby!!!</p> <p><b>Joy</b>, sounds like we have hit on a lot of the same solutions. Great that you have a capsule you look forward to wearing.</p> <p><b>Liesbeth</b>, yeah, the advent of cottagecore has somehow increased my confidence about what I was kind of aiming for anyway. Nice!</p> <p><b>JenniNZ</b>, I categorize my clothes similarly (basically "cold seasons" and "summer") although I do think our climate gets colder than yours. And possibly hotter? High summer has definitely gotten hotter in Seattle over the last 15-20 years.</p> <p><b>Bijou</b>, hoping to have a full-length mirror in a convenient spot in our new house, fingers crossed I can get that organized within a few months. I like your non-jeans options...although those would be transitional/summer wear for me!</p> <p><b>Brooklyn</b>, glad you saw the post and appreciated the shout-out. How funny that we have some of the same inspiration images! Maybe we should each do our version and compare, ha.</p> <p><b>Angie</b>, yes, I'm of Dutch (high-five!) descent on my Dad's side and Swedish on my Mom's, so I come by the klompen/träskor affinity honestly (didn't get any of the height though -- I'm 5'3" on a good day, like several generations of women on both sides before me). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code#post-2197439 Mon, 24 May 2021 13:39:20 +0000 Angie 2197439@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What I like most about this is how much YOU enjoyed cracking the code! And your tortoiseshell accessory is the best! Great you’re having fun, and have a wardrobe that works for you. Authentic :)</p> <p>Are you from Scandinavian descent? The clogs and Fair Isles are super cute. #15 is extra fab inspiration. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code#post-2197432 Mon, 24 May 2021 12:36:07 +0000 Brooklyn 2197432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you so much for the shout out. I’m really very chuffed (*blushing*). </p> <p>When you described your watercolour scheme, I immediately started thinking about French impressionists, like Monet. And also the English romantic painter William Turner. You could look through some of their paintings for inspiration. Sometimes people tend to focus on fashion pictures for fashion inspiration when art and nature can be far more inspiring (not only for colour, but for mood). </p> <p>I enjoyed looking at your pictures. (Pic 10 is one of my inspiration photos too.) It looks like you are well on your way to giving effect to your ideas. Well done. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code#post-2197428 Mon, 24 May 2021 12:04:10 +0000 Bijou 2197428@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sarah, you have put a lot of thought into your colour palettes and it shows. Hopefully you get a mirror so we get the opportunity to see the outfits on you. Brooklyn's analytical and creative approach to building her summer wardrobe was inspirational, and it is great to see how you have used that as a template to create a gorgeous capsule for Spring. </p> <p>Goodluck with hunting for pants - for me, it is always a case of trial and error in getting fit right. I understand the desire to not wear jeans constantly. I don't have any chinos but did get a heavy linen olive pant and two long casual skirts which I will wear over my mild winter and in Spring. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code#post-2197402 Mon, 24 May 2021 07:19:00 +0000 Jenni NZ 2197402@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love all this thinking from you ( and of course from Brooklyn who is also a style icon of mine!). I don’t plan my colour schemes quite this much but maybe it would help me to.<br /> Also I am with Sal that I didn’t really think about Spring versus Autumn until I joined the forum. I classify my clothes now as Autumn/Winter/Spring on one list ( with a tiny section for the warmest stuff for the coldest part of winter) and Summer on the other list. I wonder if our upper NZ North Island weather is just really temperate.<br /> Those soft colours are so gorgeous. I am sure they will suit you so well.<br /> I don’t think I own any chinos. Ponte pants are more my thing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code#post-2197397 Mon, 24 May 2021 07:03:00 +0000 Liesbeth 2197397@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I loved reading about your process, and the results are spot-on! I find your lay outs quite timeless and nodding to cottagecore, gorgeous. I think chino's these days are often tapered and/or cropped and definitely worth investigating. In earthy tones they would fit your style perfectly imo. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code#post-2197385 Mon, 24 May 2021 05:26:58 +0000 Anonymous 2197385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My suggestion would be on this site to click on Blog, them on Archive at the top right. Under the headings click on some of the years under Spring and then look and click on the topics of interest to you. White and spring colors are mentioned as well as other light neutrals, floral prints and motifs and accessories are mentioned. Specific types of clothing articles are mentioned. I have had good luck with cotton, silk and linen sweaters, white and light colors, flower motifs and prints and cropped pants with nude stockings or Smartwool no show socks as well as floral fun socks. I do not wear sandals. Closed toe loafers and sneakers that can be worn with socks are comfortable. I have added accessories in spring colors and florals. This capsule is something I look forward to wearing after wearing after winter darks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code#post-2197368 Mon, 24 May 2021 03:39:31 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2197368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>You've done a great job of pulling together spring looks that suit the weather. I admire your process and the results! <br /></div><div>I was thinking along the lines of what LaPed said about chinos. If you roll them a certain way, you can soften up their look and also narrow the openings. I'm thinking of the "pinch and roll" described in t<a rel="nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/Nn5HyRpA_q8">his video</a> (at about 2:30). <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code#post-2197366 Mon, 24 May 2021 03:37:58 +0000 Jessikams 2197366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love reading about your thought process here! Now the next question is: when you put these outfits on your body, do they feel and look as you expected? Sometimes I plan things out in my head and then realize it just doesn’t work when I put it on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code#post-2197365 Mon, 24 May 2021 03:18:25 +0000 Anonymous 2197365@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good job with cracking the code! I like the textured knitwear over delicate blouse concept. I hear you on cold spring bottoms other than jeans and leggings. I try to mix it up with skirts and dresses. But there definitely is a cold spring bottom desert </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code#post-2197345 Mon, 24 May 2021 01:52:52 +0000 kellygirl 2197345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a thoughtful exercise! I love the capsules you put together and they really seem like they would work for a spring feel but still warm enough for cooler temps. The colors and the layering are so pretty. I like the hair accessories (wish I could pull those off) and earrings. Love the soft colors and the patterns that shout spring. You really have thought about this—the fair isle layering in 7 is brilliant btw. I’ve been on a project in SF so I get the cold transitional spring weather—I haven’t executed the style nearly as well as you though. It’s cold in the city and by the time I get back to the South Bay office I’m having hot flashes... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code#post-2197344 Mon, 24 May 2021 01:50:21 +0000 Jaime 2197344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting insights and I enjoyed your inspo pics. The watercolor effect seems to be key - do you mean you want to wear more tonal outfits or is it something more specific about the colors? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code#post-2197335 Mon, 24 May 2021 01:21:30 +0000 JAileen 2197335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A couple weeks ago, I would have said I don’t know how to dress for this non existent weather. &nbsp;But this past week has been cold and wet. &nbsp;I’m trying to remember what I wore. &nbsp;I wore light grey hiking pants, light grey and pale pink long sleeve tops, and an ice blue nano puff. &nbsp;In the before days I would have added a scarf, but instead, I wore a mask despite my being vaccinated and the dropping of the masking rules. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cracking-the-cold-spring-code#post-2197327 Mon, 24 May 2021 00:31:42 +0000 rachylou 2197327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the cozy cardigans. But oh to find not-chino chinos! I just don’t like my self in them and I don’t really much like heavy blue jeans either. What I have instead is a collection of fake jeans... fake dark denim, denim look joggers, plaid ‘jeans,’ coloured ‘jeans’ - all lighter in weight and not so ‘jeany’. A few pairs of plain wovens that lean towards wide leg and harem pants styles. </p>